Last week, we got some insight on the similarities between the squad of 2001-02 and the current title-chasing one from Musa Otieno and Sebastian Bax, the only two members of that winning squad still active.

Still deeply involved, however, are Burton (Engen Santos COO - Chief Operations Officer) and Ithier (head coach David Bright’s assistant and right-hand man), and this duo know more than most about what it takes to win a championship.

It was on the back of their experience and leadership qualities that Engen Santos stormed to the title in 2001-02 - Burton being supreme in defence and Ithier providing the goals up front.

Now, they may be working behind the scenes, but their influence is to be found in every nook and cranny of the club as it seeks to emulate its success of six years ago.

“There’s an amazing fighting spirit in this squad, which is similar to what we had in 2001-02,” said Burton. “Even though this squad is much younger than what we had back then, they have the same belief we had. And this is a vital characteristic to any team wanting to win a title.

“It’s a pity they were a little inconsistent at the start of the season, we could have been in a much better position.

“There’s also an almost silent arrogance in this squad, which is also similar to what we had six years ago. By that I mean that by the attitude and the manner in which they carry themselves, it’s almost as if they just cannot lose. It’s a good attitude to have, in that everybody in the team fights that much harder to get the result that is needed.

Ithier agrees with Burton.

“This squad is different in that back in 2001-02 we were an experienced bunch of footballers, said Ithier. “But even though these players are younger, they have the same honest, hardworking attitude towards football that we had.

“I take my hats off to them. They have learnt very quickly as the months have passed and they have listened, and applied themselves very well. They are also very intelligent footballers and this has allowed them to mature from a tactical point of view.”